Miami University Women's Baseball Club Holds Recruiting Event

By Dylan Srocki

Miami University Journalism Student

It’s a sunny Wednesday evening and all around Cook Field the sounds of baseball can be heard -- the crack of the bat, the distinct popping of horsehide hitting leather, and team chatter and buzz as practice marches on.

Perhaps it's not surprising that people would take advantage of a sunny spring evening to get outside, but this was no pickup game. It was the first event for Miami University women’s baseball club as they try to establish themselves on campus.

One of the primary purposes of the Cook Field event was to try to recruit players to the team. Women interested in playing completed a series of drills, including hitting off of tees and fielding grounders and fly balls.

Two faculty coaches and four volunteers helped facilitate the recruitment showcase.

Skills On Display

The event was advertised as "no prior experience required." However, it was immediately evident that these women could play. Balls exploded off the tee, throws were rifled into the infield, and fly balls rarely hit the ground.

At the end of the event, the women took the field and then took turns hitting off of a tee, as practice turned into a type of simulated game.

For the athletes, like sophomore business major Nikki Weaver, it was exciting to finally be on the field after the first club meeting back in February.

"I had a lot of fun," Weaver says. "I wasn’t too sure how it would go because I haven’t played softball since early in high school, and baseball is a different game anyway. But it was good to just be out here in the sun and play."

Satisfied, But Not Finished

As reported on Patch last month, recruitment meetings were held leading up to the showcase event on April 19. While many of the women had attended those meetings, there were a few new faces at Cook Field.

Callie Maddox, the faculty member with the idea for the club, says she was pleased with the turnout and the way the simulated game went.

"I hope you guys enjoyed that as much as I did," Maddox told the 11 women who showed up to play. "Really exciting for our first time out. I hope you continue to talk to your friends and encourage them to come and play with us."

The other faculty coach, Brody Ruihley, outlined some next steps for the women.

"Make sure to continue to come to our meetings, and be on the lookout for other events. We were thinking of having another practice, possibly at the community park just to get out to a place with a real dirt infield, so if that happens, we can coordinate carpools and hopefully get everyone out there."

Ruihley also encouraged the athletes to seek out equipment, no matter how old or worn out.

Rounding up donated equipment means the team can keep its cost of entry low and be accessible for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Photos: The women work on their hitting and fielding skills, receiving instruction from volunteer coaches in order to improve. --Photos by Dylan Srocki